I am sorry to have kept you waiting so long, but all of the early voting, Election Day, absentee and provisional ballots have finally been tallied, and I am happy to say I am one of three delegate candidates to move on to the General Election in November.

My sister jokingly referred to this as the “never ending primary” because it took nine days after Election Day for provisional ballots to be counted in District 21 in Prince George’s County and for the Democratic primary race for delegate to be decided.

Because I was ahead of 4th place finisher Matt Dernoga by about 200 votes following the absentee ballot count, the 710 provisional ballots could have changed the outcome. Although I was in a good position statistically to maintain my third place spot, it would have been inappropriate of me to claim victory when the contest was not over.

First, I want to say I am incredibly grateful for your support and obviously could not have achieved this without you. I got into the race a little late but I ran as hard as I could to make up for that. With the help of my amazing campaign manager Elise Mignon Stack and the support of so many volunteers, we knocked on thousands of doors, made phone calls, stuffed envelopes, attended community events and house parties, held fundraisers, walked in parades and put up yard signs — lots of yard signs!

Secondly, I want to congratulate all of my fellow candidates. If you think running for public office looks difficult, you’re right. This was a hard fought race and Matt Dernoga in particular was an intense and focused campaigner. Matt is a marathon runner (seriously) and that is exactly how he approached this contest.

I am humbled by the primary results and relieved it is over, but I am glad to be part of a strong Democratic team with Sen. Rosapepe, and Delegates Peña-Melnyk and Barnes heading into the General Election. There are two Republican candidates for delegate and one Independent, so we face credible challengers.

I will be knocking on more doors between now and November and looking for other opportunities to engage voters. Please let me know of any events coming up in your community and whether you can volunteer to help.

As the June primary draws near, you have some tough choices to make. With a field of six Democratic candidates for Delegate in District 21, you must narrow your choices down to the three candidates who will put your needs first when legislating in Annapolis. I am asking for one of your three votes on June 26th. I think you should know a bit about my background before heading to the polls.

I have lived in this area of Maryland my entire life, growing up in Greenbelt, graduating from the University of Maryland College Park, and moving to Laurel in 1989 after getting married. Before entering public service, first as an education liaison in Upper Marlboro then as a legislative aide in Annapolis, I was a journalist reporting on environmental issues. My four children have all attended Prince George’s County public schools, with my youngest daughter starting high school next fall. My 85-year-old mother, who during my childhood was a community activist and vocal champion of racial and economic justice, still resides close by, and my four sisters and their families live in the area as well. In other words, my ties to the community are strong, and I will strive on behalf of all District 21 residents for the best schools, safest neighborhoods, more transit options and expanded job opportunities.

Public service is my passion. As a Prince George’s County Councilwoman in District 1, I have accomplished much on behalf of the communities I serve:

Creating the strongest environmental policies in the state including a county ban on fracking, a Styrofoam ban, renewable energy standards for county buildings and green procurement rules for purchasing county vehicles and other goods;

Advancing affordable housing policies so residents who earn less can rent or buy decent homes close to employment;

Advocating for paid sick leave and enacting the highest minimum wage in Maryland at $11.50/hr.; and

Funding robust college assistance, after-school and senior programming, including expanded senior activities in College Park occuring in FY 2018-2019; and

Exercising diligent oversight of county agencies and insisting on transparent reporting and public notice requirements.

As your state delegate, I will continue my commitment to transparency in government as I’ve demonstrated for nearly eight years. I will provide excellent constituent service to District 21 residents in partnership with local officials in Anne Arundel and Prince George’s counties.

As your delegate, your fights will be my fights. I hope you will make your voice heard in the upcoming primary election on June 26th.

We are down to the last 2 months of the primary season. I’m going to be very honest: this race is competitive. There are seven candidates and three seats available, and while we have a great deal of enthusiasm behind us, I am taking nothing for granted.

In the spirit of making it across the finish line with a solid “W,” I am cordially inviting you to this event:

Sunday, April 8th is my birthday, and it would be an incredible gift if you would spend a few hours walking with me, meeting voters, and getting out the vote for the June 26th primary! We are just about 85 days from the primary and we have so much ground to cover!

We will meet at Laurel High School at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 8th, and receive our walking lists, then have some cake and ice cream around 4:30 at Mike and Ruth’s place on Prince George’s Street. Will you join me?

Address: 8000 Cherry Lane, Laurel MD 20707

Send your name and intention to attend to lehmanfordelegate@gmail.com to RSVP.

Please join me at the home of my dear friends, the Cressotti family, for coffee and conversation about my candidacy for Delegate in District 21. This is an ideal forum to ask questions about the issues that mean the most to you and your family. I look forward to tackling those questions, and hearing about how I can support you as your voice in Annapolis.

Posts navigation

Donate

Why I’m Running

I am running for delegate to advance progressive economic, environmental, transportation, health and criminal justice policies in Maryland. I will continue my commitment to transparency in government as I’ve demonstrated for seven years as a Prince George’s County Councilwoman. I will provide excellent constituent service to District 21 residents in partnership with local officials in Anne Arundel and Prince George’s counties.